Job Description

Required:

• Demonstrated experience working in rare book libraries or archives.
• Demonstrated experience with acquisition workflows and / or processing of materials.
• Demonstrated experience with historical artifact collections.
• Problem-solving and communication skills.
• Independent decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Minimum GED or high school diploma.

Preferred:

• Extensive knowledge of Alma and other University of Minnesota Library systems, policies, procedures and resources.
• Experience with library customer service skills, problem solving, and handling difficult situations.
• Training or experience in using ArchivesSpace, the open-source archives information management application.
• Project management experience.

Physical Requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation (if applicable):

• Ability to frequently move up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to frequently move book carts on wheels weighing up to 100 pounds.

This position is in-person only; remote work is not available.

This position is a Temporary & Casual Employee classified position for up to 14 hours (maximum) of work per week through the duration of employment.

Hours/Availability: 7 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays; schedule may change on a weekly basis.

Rate of Pay: $20-$22 per hour

Position Summary

The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine (WHL), a unit in the Health Sciences Libraries (HSL), is a special collection with rare books and objects that broadly represent health, medicine, and biological sciences from 1430 to 1945.

Drawing from the collections, the curators and library staff provide instructional, outreach and research services at the University of Minnesota, particularly in the six health sciences schools and colleges (Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine) and for the Program in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, as well as for other University of Minnesota departments, colleges and schools and local institutions of higher education.

The WHL Library Project Assistant will join the Library’s curators as an active contributor to the WHL’s daily operations and special projects.

Responsibilities

Archival Collections (40%)

• Develop and refine a workflow for processing WHL heritage and newly acquired archival collections using ASpace and University of Minnesota Libraries best practices in order to improve findability and useability. Create minimal level finding aids for selected collections. Collaborate with WHL staff, library staff and other experts to develop and document WHL specific workflows, procedures and guidelines.

Artifact Collections (40%)

• Improve the organization of the artifact collection by collaborating with WHL staff, library staff and other experts. Create descriptions for a subset of materials using existing documentation and best practices. Find and create location information for missing or accidentally relocated artifacts that lack this metadata in their catalog records.
• Oversee artifact photography workflows.
• Refine processing workflows for newly acquired artifacts. Evaluate current artifact housing and storage needs and create preliminary metadata for new acquisitions.

Daily Operations (20%)

• Examine daily operational workflows in the WHL, refine existing documents as needed to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Assist with daily operational tasks, such as oversight of pulling and shelving, acquisitions workflow, providing back-up staffing for the front desk and reading room as needed.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format (DO NOT copy and paste.)

• Resume
• Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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